Cognitive analytic therapy in child and adolescent mental health services: systematic scoping review of evidence

AI Summary

Thirty-seven articles identified on CAT with under-18-year-olds, including 11 quantitative studies; formats included individual, parent, group therapy and consultation.
Published evidence suggests CAT is feasible and accessible in child and adolescent mental health services, despite limited quantity of studies.
Clinical implication: further randomised controlled trials and routine practice outcome publications are required to establish CAT effectiveness in under-18-year-olds.

BJPsych Bull. 2026 May 5:1-17. doi: 10.1192/bjb.2026.10218. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND METHOD: Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is a relational, time-limited psychotherapy primarily evidenced to support adults with emotional and relational difficulties. The extent of evidence for CAT in younger populations is not known. This paper aimed to collate all published articles describing CAT with under-18-year-olds and establish feasibility and effectiveness of CAT in this population. An initial systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases, with a second search using key terms and author names in the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy website bibliography.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria, 11 of which contained quantitative studies. Articles described CAT as individual therapy for young people or their parents, group therapy and consultation frameworks for staff and parents.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The limited evidence published on CAT in under-18-year-olds suggests that it is feasible and accessible. Further randomised controlled studies and publication of practice-based outcomes are required.

PMID:42083928 | DOI:10.1192/bjb.2026.10218

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